Tensions persist in the Delhi neighborhood of Uttam Nagar as the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches, following a clash during the Holi festival that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old individual just days ago.

The dispute reportedly started on March 4, when an 11-year-old girl threw a water balloon that hit a Muslim woman, leading to a dispute between two families of different religious backgrounds.

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The dispute between the two families quickly turned violent. Tarun Kumar, aged 26, who was injured during the clash, died four days after the incident occurred. Police have arrested 14 people, as well as two minors, in connection with the incident.

Security increased amid threats and social media posts

As per a report by Hindustan Times, before the Eid festival, residents of the area were reportedly concerned about their safety due to the threat posed by the alleged inflammatory statements shared on social media.

Some residents reportedly told the media that they were thinking of leaving the area until the situation was under control. The Delhi Police has reportedly increased patrolling in the area, with barricades put in place across Hastsal Village.

A police officer, Kushal Pal Singh, who is the deputy commissioner of police, Dwarka, has reportedly assured the residents that the police have made necessary arrangements for the festival. Police officials reportedly said that they were keeping an eye on the videos that were going viral on social media, which contained inflammatory statements about the incident.

"We have barricaded the area and are removing protesters if they attempt to enter the village or raise communal slogans," said a police officer, requesting anonymity. The authorities reportedly said that the people appearing in the videos may not even be residents of Delhi.

Residents express fear after threats

Residents of the area claimed that during the past few days, several groups of demonstrators were spotted in the area, chanting slogans and making threatening speeches.

Speaking with the Hindustan Times, Jameel Ahmad, a restaurant owner who has been living in the area for decades, said that his family is concerned that they might become the target of the violence despite not having anything to do with the original incident.

Jameel Ahmad, owner of Miya Ji restaurant said that the original incident was an old dispute between two families, and now people from outside the families were making threatening speeches saying they will play 'khoon ki Holi’, indicating towards a possible bloodbath. Residents of the area said that they were concerned about the possibility of violence during the Eid celebrations.

Farzana, a 22-year-old who has been living in the area for over two decades, said that she and her family were considering leaving the area during the Eid celebrations.

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“We don’t want to leave, but Eid is special for us, and we are worried about the situation.”

Court to hear petition seeking enhanced security

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking directions to Delhi Police to enhance patrolling and security in Uttam Nagar in view of concerns raised by members of the Muslim community.

Officials said police meetings with residents are continuing to ensure calm ahead of the festival.